Page 86 of Mile High Daddy

Ryan chuckles, shaking his head. “That’s cute. You really believe that?”

Alex stays silent.

Ryan shrugs. “Look, I don’t give a shit what you do with your life. But people are starting to notice you again, and not in a good way.”

A beat.

Then Alex says, “Is that a warning?”

Ryan smiles, but there’s no humor in it. “It’s a fact.”

My stomach twists.

I have no idea what they’re talking about, but it’s clear this isn’t just some random meeting. Ryan knows things about Alex—things Alex clearly doesn’t want to discuss.

And the way Alex isn’t denying any of it?

That scares me the most.

Ryan shifts on his feet. “Do yourself a favor—keep your head down. And maybe don’t go making friends with people who have enemies they can’t outrun. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Don’t think you can fool me.”

Alex’s entire body goes still.

But he doesn’t take the bait.

He exhales, rolling his shoulders. “Guess we’ll see what happens.”

Ryan tilts his head, studying him. “Look, I don’t know what your deal is, but if Mikhail wants something, he’s gonna get it. And if you’re in his way? That’s a problem.”

Alex crosses his arms. “If I were in his way, you wouldn’t be standing here warning me about it.”

Ryan lets out a low laugh, shaking his head. “You always were the smart one.”

I still.

What the hell does that mean?

Alex knows Mikhail?

I feel like the ground has been ripped out from under me.

Ryan exhales. “Just be careful. He doesn’t like loose ends.”

Alex’s jaw tightens, but he says nothing.

Ryan steps back, his tone lighter now. “Well, this was fun. I’ll see you around.”

Then he walks away, slipping into a black sedan parked near the back of the lot. The engine rumbles to life. A second later, the car disappears into the night.

I can’t move.

My mind is spinning.

Alex knows Mikhail.

Which means?—

He’s been working with him all along.

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